RAF Mildenhall welcomes new 100th ARW commander

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  As groups stood in formation, a KC-135 Stratotanker framed the doorway of Hangar 814 and a Scottish piper played the bagpipes, the 100th Air Refueling Wing greeted its newest commander, Col. Christopher J. Kulas, as he took the reins of leadership from Col. Chad T. Manske June 24.

Colonel Kulas joins the 100th ARW from his previous position as 379th Expeditionary Operations Group Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia.

"I believe that change in leadership is healthy for any unit in our Air Force because change in leadership, and the anxieties that often arise as a result, compel everyone to reexamine themselves, their role and their contribution to the mission," said Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc, 3rd Air Force commander, who presided over the ceremony. "Many times, changes that take place as a result of this reexamination drive the unit to even higher levels of performance."

Before the passing of the guidon, General Gorenc offered some sage advice to the out-going commander and his wife.

"Chad and Stacey, the only advice I can offer during this bittersweet time is to take solace in the sound advice offered by the most famous philosopher Dr. Seuss, 'Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.'"

After taking command, Colonel Kulas thanked General Gorenc for entrusting him with this 'awesome responsibility' and the privilege to lead the outstanding Airmen and civilians that make up the 100th ARW.

"I can think of no better job in the Air Force. It took immense effort to continue to focus on my job as a group commander, knowing what the future had in store for me," the new 100th ARW commander said. "I will do my utmost to fulfill your expectations and keep the 100th (ARW) performing at the high standard of performance to which Colonel Manske has guided this wing."

Originally stationed here from June 1992 to September 1996 as an instructor pilot in the 351st Air Refueling Squadron, Colonel Kulas said nobody was more surprised than he was to be here again today.

"What I do remember from my first tour, is the immense pride in the heritage of our forebearers. Sixty-eight years ago tomorrow, the men of the 100th Bomb Group launched their very first combat mission. The cost of this operation was high -- three aircraft and 30 men were lost that day, but the warrior spirit of the Bloody Hundredth was christened by their sacrifice," the colonel said. "This legacy continues on today, for as we engage in this ceremony; the women and men of the 100th ARW are again answering their nation's call to defend freedom and protect our national interests. The mission must always come first - it's what we do in the Air Force.

"But the mission is executed by brave men and women represented by those we have standing before us in this hangar. As your commander, I promise to do my very best to serve you and your families and loved ones - to provide the resources, support and care that you require to perform so nobly."

Outgoing commander, Colonel Manske, leaves here for his new position as a Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York City. Only one person from each branch of the military service earns a place for this prestigious position each year.

After giving his thanks to various people he's worked with and who have worked for him, the outgoing commander shared some of RAF Mildenhall's achievements during his tenure here. He then offered thanks to his friends in the local community, who support our Airmen, families and programs, including members of the British-American Committee, the Honorary Commanders, and, as he put it, the collective 'chain gang' of mayors who do so much to support our military communities.

"We have many close and lifelong friends among you in our short association with one another, and Stacey and I will miss you terribly," Colonel Manske said. "You're, how shall I say it? ... Brilliant!"

He also spoke of his appreciation for the Airmen of the 100th ARW.

"Stacey and I have been privileged to serve with you, worship with you, exercise with you, dine with you and vacation with you. I even got to deploy for a short while with a handful of you," he said. "You and your families are exceptional, and it's both surreal and disheartening to know that it ends today.

"Nearly two years ago, I stood here promising to meet the challenges of command with enthusiasm and excitement, and to carry out our mission while caring for, supporting and serving our Airmen, civilians (both Department of Defense and Ministry of Defence), as well as their families, while building partnerships and enhancing community relations," Colonel Manske continued.

"I hope that in your eyes I've fulfilled that promise. We worked very hard, and smart, and we had a lot of fun doing it!"

Colonel Kulas gave his thanks to Colonel Manske and his family, adding that RAF Mildenhall is an incredible base, community and team, and his leadership has been essential in making the base what it is today. The new 100th ARW commander then addressed his troops once more.

"(My parents taught me about) service, about sacrifice and about caring for others. I hope to embody those traits as I lead this great team," he said.